Manchester United have hit the jackpot with a “standout talent” who holds greater value than Gyokeres.
Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles and Garnacho’s Rising Stock
For the 12th time this Premier League season, Manchester United failed to find the back of the net, following a dull 0-0 draw against local rivals Manchester City. The result leaves them sitting 13th in the standings, a far cry from where they’d like to be.
With only seven league fixtures remaining in the 2024/25 campaign, United have managed just 37 goals — fewer than 17th-placed Wolves, who have scored 43. The lack of firepower up front is becoming increasingly concerning.
The team’s attacking woes were again evident over the weekend, as they struggled to create meaningful chances. Bruno Fernandes remains their top scorer with only eight league goals — a statistic that highlights the lack of end product in the final third.
Under manager Ruben Amorim, strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only scored six league goals combined, reinforcing the urgent need for a new striker this summer. Speculation is mounting about potential signings, with Amorim reportedly interested in reuniting with his former player Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Gyokeres Rumors Heating Up
Amorim is believed to be frustrated with his current striking options, especially given his past success with Gyokeres at Sporting, where the Swedish forward scored an astonishing 66 goals in 68 matches. His 43-goal haul in all competitions last season was key to Sporting’s title success.
Given that history, it’s no surprise that reports suggest United may have submitted an offer to bring Gyokeres to Old Trafford. However, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal are also monitoring the striker closely and are growing increasingly interested.
Yet, journalist Laurie Whitwell has previously noted that a deal may be unlikely for United due to Gyokeres’ age and his desire to play Champions League football, which United may not be able to offer next season. This could force Amorim to explore other striker options.
Garnacho: The Unexpected Spark
Still, there may already be a solution within the squad. Amorim commented after the City draw that his team must “improve in all areas,” especially in the attacking third. In that match, Rasmus Hojlund managed just two touches in the opposition half during the entire first half, underlining how ineffective he was.
One player who did show some promise, though, was 20-year-old Alejandro Garnacho. Dubbed a “shining light” by BBC pundit Troy Deeney, Garnacho stood out with his determination and drive to make something happen.
Against City, Garnacho played the full 90 minutes and recorded 44 touches, an 88% pass accuracy, and won 9 of 13 duels. Despite not registering key passes or successful crosses, he remained active and gave defenders a tough time. This performance came just days after he was criticized for being “naive” in the match against Nottingham Forest, where he still managed three shots and looked lively compared to his teammates.
Future Prospects for Garnacho
Despite being linked with a move to Chelsea in January, Garnacho remains a valuable asset for United. Letting him go in the summer would be a questionable decision considering his development and performances over the past two seasons.
He has starred in both an FA Youth Cup final and a senior FA Cup final, scoring three times across those high-stakes games. It’s clear he’s still learning, and perhaps being over-relied upon due to a lack of alternatives in attack. At the same age, Gyokeres was still in Brighton’s youth system and needed time and experience — including loans and a move to Coventry — before finding his rhythm.
According to CIES Football Observatory, Garnacho is valued at around £83 million, significantly more than Gyokeres, who is currently estimated at £63 million. That alone speaks to Garnacho’s potential and market value.
While frustration is growing over Garnacho’s return of just two goals since Amorim took charge, his performance in the derby suggests he’s still one of the few at Old Trafford who can bring fans to their feet — something sorely missing elsewhere in the squad.
